Morocco’s “Al Ghait” Program: A Rainmaker in Action
Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, and countries around the world are exploring innovative solutions. In Morocco, a nation familiar with the challenges of drought, a pioneering program called “Al Ghait” (The Rain) has been making waves – literally.
Initiated in 1984 by the late King Hassan II during a period of severe drought, Al Ghait is a cloud seeding program designed to enhance rainfall and snowfall. This ambitious endeavor involves dispersing environmentally friendly chemicals like silver iodide into clouds, encouraging the formation of precipitation.
The program’s impact has been significant. According to Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, Al Ghait has conducted 121 cloud seeding operations between 2017 and 2021, utilizing both ground-based generators and specialized aircraft. These efforts have yielded impressive results, with studies indicating a 14% to 17% increase in rainfall and snowfall in targeted areas. This translates to an additional 4 million cubic meters of water annually – a precious resource in a water-stressed region.
The success of Al Ghait is not just environmental; it’s economic too. For every dirham invested in the program, there’s a return of 3.37 dirhams in terms of increased water availability for domestic use. This highlights the program’s potential to contribute to sustainable development and economic growth.
Today, Al Ghait boasts twenty ground stations equipped with cloud seeding generators, strategically located across three centers: Beni Mellal, Azilal, and El Hajeb. These centers are equipped with sophisticated meteorological instruments to monitor atmospheric conditions and determine the optimal timing for cloud seeding operations.
Looking ahead, Morocco is committed to further developing and expanding Al Ghait. The government’s strategy focuses on enhancing governance, integrating cutting-edge technology, expanding the program’s geographical and temporal reach, and strengthening its human resources.
Al Ghait stands as a testament to Morocco’s proactive approach to water management and its commitment to harnessing scientific innovation to address critical environmental challenges. As the world grapples with the growing impacts of climate change, programs like Al Ghait offer valuable lessons in resilience and resourcefulness.
